A blog about a Brownie Unit – Brownie Meeting ideas

Summer Camp: SWAPS for BFF Camp 2013

Trading SWAPS is just one of many fun activities that you can expect to do at a Girl Guide camp. SWAPs (Sharing With All People) are small gifts, tokens, crests, pins or crafts that you offer to the new people you meet – and they to you (just like a business card in an office). At camp, they are great for breaking the ice with a new friend, especially if you’re shy. After camp, they’re an excellent touchstone reminder of all the people you met.

In my opinion, traders need to be small, light, and easy to get/make – remember they have to fit in the bag you carry to camp. Unique and personal traders are best… your trader should say something about you. For example, as I’m one of only a few people going to camp from my area, my trader(s) will represent me regionally and as a crafter/crocheter. Always try to put your name and maybe e-mail on your trader so your new friends can find you later.

This year, I’ve got three traders…

City of Ottawa lapel pins (courtesy of my City Councillor),

Government of Ontario trillium lapel pins (from my MPP), and

Crocheted flower pins that I’ve made.

Pins from your local municipality, province or area can usually be obtained for free if you ask early and politely. To personalize these, I could either put a small sticker on the baggie they come in, or I could stick each pin through a card with my name and e-mail.